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Severe weather coming: Medium to high threat for tornadoes Thursday afternoon
Tornadoes, damaging winds and hail are all possible in central North Carolina, including the Triangle on Thursday. The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has the state under a Level 4 risk for severe weather.
The Storm Prediction Center is warning about the chance for egg-sized hail at least 2 inches in diameter, locally damaging winds up to 75 mph and several strong tornadoes, which could blow at more than 100 mph on Thursday.
By noon, central North Carolina will see some sprinkles under mostly cloudy skies.
The tornado risk begins to build around 2 p.m., according to WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell.
Storm warnings are possible over Durham and Southern Pines between 3 and 4 p.m. Wake County and Fayetteville will be in play through the normal time of the evening commute – through about 7 p.m.
There is a moderate to high risk for tornadoes through about 7 p.m., said WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell.
Travel and outdoor activity during those hours could be dangerous. With the forecast in mind, Durham Public Schools announced that all students would learn remotely, so they can be at home during the hours of greatest risk.
Other schools followed with plans for remote learning or early dismissal on Thursday.
Wake County officials canceled all first- and second-dose coronavirus vaccinations scheduled for Thursday. The appointments have been rescheduled for Friday at the same times and locations. All scheduled Friday appointments also will be held.
The county also suspended free public testing on Thursday. Tests will resume on Friday.
“This has the potential to do even more damage than we thought yesterday,” Gardner said.
Instead of one large system, WRAL meteorologist Zach Maloch said the storms will come in waves beginning Thursday afternoon, and each has the potential to produce life-threatening impacts like tornadoes.
Conditions could be worst during the evening commute.
“After 8 p.m. the tornado risk quickly diminishes,” Campbell said.
Level 4 risk is rare in North Carolina
The last time a Level 4 risk was issued a day before a storm system in North Carolina was in 2012.
In April 2019, the Storm Prediction Center issued a Level 4 risk alert for conditions on the same day, and the National Weather Service counted 57 tornado reports that day.
Gardner referenced North Carolina’s worst tornado outbreak to date, which occurred on April 16, 2011, when 30 tornadoes were confirmed across the state.
Last month, an EF2 tornado killed three people in Brunswick County near Wilmington.
“I’m not saying that’s what’s going to happen tomorrow, but it’s highly unusual to have a risk level this high,” Gardner said.
It will be especially important to keep devices charged beforehand, have an emergency plan in place for your household and download the WRAL Weather app to receive severe weather alerts.
If there is a tornado warning in the viewing area, WRAL meteorologists will be tracking the storm on air. You can watch on TV or right in the app.
Thursday’s high will be warm, in the mid 70s. The day will begin with cloudy skies, a light breeze and a small chance for showers, then showers and storms will become more likely later in the afternoon and into the evening.
There is a 30 percent chance for rain on Friday, and highs will stay around 60 degrees. The weekend looks mostly sunny and dry but colder, with highs in the mid to upper 50s for both Saturday and Sunday.
